Proclamation

National Library Week 2025 Proclamation

WHEREAS, libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can explore new ideas and be drawn to new possibilities;

WHEREAS, libraries serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and lifelong learning;

WHEREAS, libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background—have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive;

WHEREAS, libraries partner with schools, businesses, and organizations, connecting the dots to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access to essential services, strengthening the entire community;

WHEREAS, libraries empower job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by providing access to resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success;

WHEREAS, libraries nurture young minds through storytimes, STEAM programs, and literacy initiatives, fostering curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime;

WHEREAS, libraries protect the right to read, think, and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression;

WHEREAS, dedicated librarians and library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all;

WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme “Drawn to the Library”;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, [Name, Title of Official], proclaim April 6–12, 2025, as National Library Week. During this week, I encourage all residents to visit their library, explore its resources, and celebrate all the ways that the library draws us together as a community.

National Library Week History

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week, is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

National Library Week Honorary Chairs | National Library Week Themes

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"

National Library Week was observed again in 1959, and the ALA Council voted to continue the annual celebration. When the National Book Committee disbanded in 1974, ALA assumed full sponsorship.

The ALA Archives Blog published an illustrated history of the event on April 10, 2015, by Lydia Tang, National Library Week: “For a Better-Read, Better-Informed America”.

SPSON LRC

Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud are Honorary Chairs

Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud have been selected Honorary Chairs of National Library Week 2025.

Websites

I Love Libraries
I Love Libraries, an initiative of the American Library Association, celebrates libraries everywhere. We promote the value of libraries and librarians, explain key issues affecting libraries, advocate for the freedom of information and the right to read, and urge readers everywhere to support and take action for their libraries.
Libraries Transform

Library Professionals: Facts & Figures

Library Professionals: Facts & Figures
This fact sheet explores the role of library staff in the workforce, the demographics, educational attainment and wages of librarians, as well as the benefits of union membership for librarians and other issues faced by library staff.

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

Queens: SPSON Celebrates National Library Week

National Library Week 2025: Drawn to the Library!